Huawei launched a new entry-level handset in the global market and it is gradually hitting the shelves in a lot of countries: its name is Honor 9A and it is sold at a very affordable price. In this article, you can read an in-depth specs comparison between this new handset and other entry-levels sold in the same price segment. We chose the Oppo A12 because it is one of the most recent ones in that price range, and Redmi 8A Dual because it is one of the best-selling low-end devices in several regions.
Huawei Honor 9A vs Oppo A12 vs Xiaomi Redmi 8A Dual
| Oppo A12 | Huawei Honor 9A | Xiaomi Redmi 8A Dual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT | 155.9 x 75.5 x 8.3 mm, 165 grams | 159.1 x 74.1 x 9 mm, 185 grams | 156.5 x 75.4 x 9.4 mm, 188 grams |
| DISPLAY | 6.22 inches, 720 x 1520p (HD+), 270 ppi, IPS LCD | 6.3 inches, 720 x 1600p (HD+), 278 ppi, IPS LCD | 6.22 inches, 720 x 1520p (HD+), 270 ppi, IPS LCD |
| PROCESSOR | MediaTek Helio P35, octa-core 2.3 GHz | Mediatek Helio P22, octa-core 2 GHz | Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, octa-core 1.95 GHz |
| MEMORY | 3 GB RAM, 32 GB – 4 GB RAM, 64 GB – micro SD slot | 3 GB RAM, 64 GB – micro SD dedicated slot | 2 GB RAM, 32 GB – 3 GB RAM, 32 GB – 4 GB RAM, 64 GB – micro SD dedicated slot |
| SOFTWARE | Android 9 Pie, Color OS | Android 10, Magic UI | Android 9 Pie, MIUI |
| CONNECTIVITY | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS |
| CAMERA | Dual 13 + 2 MP f/2.2, and f/2.4 5 MP f/2.0 front camera |
Triple 13 + 5 + 2 MP f/1.8, f/2.2 and f/2.4 8 MP f/2.0 front camera |
Dual 13 + 2 MP f/2.2 and f/2.4 8 MP f/2.0 front camera |
| BATTERY | 4230 mAh | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh, fast charging 18W |
| ADDITIONAL FEATURES | Dual SIM slot | Dual SIM slot | Dual SIM slot, splash resistant, reverse charging |
Design
If we talk about front designs, Honor 9A looks more elegant because it comes with a smaller waterdrop notch than the rest of the trio. But when it comes to the overall design, Redmi 8A Dual is slightly more interesting due to a more minimal look and a more compact body. The Redmi 8A Dual is also the only one with a water-repellent coating, and it is even protected by Gorilla Glass 5 (display). So if you need the best build quality, you know what to get.
Display
Honor 9A, Oppo A12, and Redmi 8A Dual are all equipped with an IPS panel coming with an HD+ resolution and more or less the same diagonal. With the Oppo A12, you should get a slightly better quality and a higher brightness. Given that these devices feature IPS panels, they do not have in-display fingerprint scanners. While Oppo A12 and Honor 9A have a rear-mounted fingerprint reader, Redmi 8A Dual does not have any biometric sensor, so users have to rely on a PIN to unlock their device.
Specs & Software
The Helio P35 processor found on the Oppo A12 and the Snapdragon 439 of the Redmi 8A Dual actually provide a very similar level of performance. But the Oppo A12 comes in a configuration with more RAM and more internal storage than Redmi 8A Dual. Oppo A12 has a 4/64 GB variant, while Redmi 8A Dual offers max 3 GB of RAM and max 32 GB of native storage. With its 64 GB, Honor 9A has more internal storage than Redmi 8A Dual, but it has an inferior processor, so it loses the hardware comparison. Note that Honor 9A is the only with Android 10 out of the box, but it lacks Google services in the global market due to the U.S. ban.
Camera
Honor 9A is the best camera phone of this comparison because it offers a 13 MP main sensor with a brighter focal aperture than its rivals (so better shots in low light conditions), as well as an ultrawide sensor. While Redmi 8A Dual and Oppo A12 only feature a depth sensor besides the main 13 MP lens, the Honor 9A also offers an 8 MP ultrawide lens. Redmi 8A Dual and Oppo A12 come with dual rear cameras sporting the same specifications, but the front camera is better on the Redmi 8A Dual.
Battery
Honor 9A and Redmi 8A Dual are able to provide a longer battery life than Oppo A12 because they feature a way bigger 5000 mAh battery. There should be only marginal differences between the battery life of the Honor 9A and the Redmi 8A Dual. But unlike the Honor 9A, Redmi 8A Dual supports 18W fast charging and reverse charging.
Price
Honor 9A is priced €150 globally and it is expected to hit the Indian market with an Rs.10,990/€130/$146 price tag. Redmi 8A Dual and Oppo A12 carry Rs.7,499/€88/$99 and Rs.9,990/€118/$132 prices, respectively. Overall, Redmi 8A Dual looks like a more complete device for average users. But if you need the best camera phone, Honor 9A is a way better choice. Oppo A12 is recommended for those who search for high performances.
Huawei Honor 9A vs Oppo A12 vs Xiaomi Redmi 8A Dual: PROs and CONS
Xiaomi Redmi 8A Dual
PROs
- Huge battery
- Great front camera
- Water-repellent
- Fast charging
- Reverse charging
CONS
- No fingerprint reader
Oppo A12
PROs
- Fingerprint reader
- Good hardware
- Slimmer and lighter
- More compact
CONS
- Smaller battery
Huawei Honor 9A
PROs
- Fingerprint reader
- Very nice cameras
- Ultrawide sensor
- Android 10 out of the box
CONS
- Inferior chipset
